L'Adroit (P725) is the lead-ship of the Gowind class, a new class of hi-tech offshore patrol vessels (OPV) capable of performing a wide spectrum of roles, for French Navy (Marine Nationale). These vessels are designed by Kership, a joint venture between DCNS and Piriou shipyard in Brittany. Kership benefits from the experience of DCNS on the naval defence markets and that of Piriou in civilian-standard vessels. L'Adroit is a very innovative design that performs mainly as a testbed for the various electronic systems, equipment and the novel features of the design itself. The vessel was built by DCNS (Direction des Constructions Navales and the Direct Chantier Navel), group on its own funds in 2011 and it has been on loan to the French Navy from October 2011 until the middle of 2015 for trials and to promote it for exports. It is worth of mention that this ship's bridge offers a panoramic 360-degree visibility and also this is the first French warship with a single (integrated) mast.

Click to enlarge and save the image to view the details: modified photo of L'Adroit, lead ship of Gowind/Kership class offshore patrol vessels. For high resolution image click here.

The general technical characteristics of the class is a displacement of 1,450tons, length of 87m, beam of about 13m, maximum speed of 21knots and range of 8,000n.m. (!) with the speed of 12knots. The endurance is approximately 21 days. The ship has a crew of only 30-32 persons while there is space for about 30 additional personnel including aviation detachment (for the UAV), air detachment (helicopter crew), marines and/or special operations team. L'Adroit has a flight deck where 10-ton (maximum) helicopter can land on it such as the NHIndustries NH90 Caiman while the hangar can accommodate a 5-ton (maximum) helicopter such as the Eurocopter AS565 Panther, Westland Lynx and SA-330 Puma (watch a video here). All helicopters can bee equipped with a variety of weapons such as rocket launchers, 20mm guns, ASW torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
﻿Flight deck. Notice the two stern ramps and the position for the RHIBs
Photo: Christina MackenzieS-100 UAV. Photo: Marine Nationale

﻿SA330 Puma onboard L'Adroit

﻿﻿﻿﻿

Except the helicopter, the boat can accommodate, support and guide a Schiebel Camcopter S-100 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that has been integrated with the combat management system of L'Adroit, another first for this warship. With such UAVs, the vessel can double the surveillance area that can cover without the drones by providing real-time data from the theater of operations beyond the range of warship's onboard sensors.The vessel carries two RHIB, one at each side of the superstructure while there are two stern-mounted ramps for rapid launch and recovery of Zodiac Hurricane 935 RHIB 9-meter interceptors that achieve a max speed of about 50knots and/or Zodiac/Sirehna Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), so in total up to four (4) RHIB for a variety of operations such as SAR operations, fisheries enforcement, anti-piracy missions, border controls and fight against terrorism. Watch a video of a Hurricane launch here.
﻿RHIB launch from one of the two stern ramps. Notice the hangar
Photo: Marine NationaleZodiac Hurricane 935 RHIB
Photo: Christina Mackenzie

Zodiac Hurricane 935 RHIB

﻿﻿

Zodiac/Sirehna USV

20mm/90cal modele F2 gun

Nexter Narwhal on Aquitaine class FFG

The current armament consists of a single 20mm/90cal modele F2 gun and a variety of machine guns. The gun might be replaced by a Nexter Narwhal 20mm Remote Weapon Station (RWS) in the future. The 20F2 gun is operated manually and it has a firing rate of approximately 750-800 rounds per minute while the effective range against aerial targets is about 1,500-2,000m. The gun has two 150-cartridge boxes on each side of it. The gun is maneuvered by the body of the gunner, who is attached to the weapon directing the fire via an optical visor. At each side of the bridge there are mounted one M2HB 12.7mm heavy machine gun, one 7.62mm light machine gun and one water cannon. The foredeck has a large space for installation of missile system if needed, more likely two twin launchers for Exocet surface-to-surface missiles (SSM).

﻿﻿The vessel has two Lacroix Defense & Security Sylena decoy launchers, a system that protects the ship against radar- and/or infrared-guided missiles. The system is integrated with the Thales Vigile electronic warfare sensor in the DCNS Polaris combat system.

The mast that contains the
Scanter radars and the UAV
guidance antenna

The see-through composite radome houses two Terma 2D surveillance radars, the Scanter 4102 and the Scanter 6002, sharing the same antenna (dual Scanter radar suite). Scanter 4102 is a general medium range surveillance radar while Scanter 6002 is Terma's most modern X (I)-band 2D solid state radar optimized for improved surface and low airspace situational awareness in all weather conditions (for example very small non-metallic targets in sea states 4-6) and to provide the approach control for the helicopter. These characteristics of Scanter 6002 make it ideal for search-and-rescue (SAR) operations. This conical radar transparent mast structure provides the sensors that are mounted inside a full 360-degree coverage. The upper part of the radome hosts the UAV guidance antenna. The mast supports a FLIR Talon located at the aft side, a navigation radar at the front side, an IFF, a USV guidance antenna,Thales Vigile LW Radar Electronic Support measures (R-ESM) and Thales Altesse Communication Electronic Support Measures (C-ESM).

Thales Vigile LW ESM. Photo: Thales

FLIR’s Talon compact EO/IR sensor is integrated with the Polaris Combat Management System (CMS) to detect vessels and other objects >10 Km standoff range during EEZ and patrol duties. The the Talon provides up to six payloads: thermal imager, color CCD, low light, laser pointer or laser illuminator, laser rangefinder, and IMU/GPS.

FLIR Talon. Photo: FLIR

Thales ALTESSE is a high performance wideband for Communication ESM providing early warning and tactical situation awareness capabilities based on interception and direction finding of the radio communication signals in HF and V/UHF band. The system is integrated with the combat management system of the ship.

On the roof of the bridge there is a second navigation radar and at the base of the mast aSagem EOMS NG multifunction optronic system. EOMS NG is a multifunction optronic system, unique of its kind. Designed for surface vessels, it combines long-range infrared panoramic search and track (IRST) with electro-optical gun fire control in a single unit. It is a highly effective solution for self-protection against symmetrical and asymmetrical, surface or air threats as it provides automatic detection and tracking, identification, and gun engagement of all surface and air targets, from anti-ship sea-skimming missiles to fast incoming attack craft. It is fully remote controlled from the ship’s Combat Management System (CMS) or via the operator console provided.

﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿
﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿
﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿Bridge. Photo: Christina Mackenzie

The Polaris combat management system, developed by DCNS, integrates GPS, AIS and ADS-B (Automatic Identification System and Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast), two surveillance radars, two navigation radars, two electro-optical systems and a communication interceptor system. Polaris enables missions such as anti-piracy, convoy protection or surveillance and protection of coastal areas and exclusive economic zones to be carried out. It offers scalable functions which are designed to provide a clear assessment of the tactical situation at sea and interoperability with other units as well as a maritime combat management capability. This mission system integrates the latest technological advances such as the use of drones, long-range surveillance, automatic detection and analysis of suspect behaviour of ships, decision-making aids and secure access to civilian networks and information systems. In its anti-surface warfare version, it also manages the use of guns and short-range self-defence missiles.﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿﻿

Three Nations Share German OPV DesignPosted on April 13, 2014Photos: Chilean Navy photos of OPV Toro, 2012, note 40mm forwardWe have a guest post today, Andres Tavolari, a 1st Lt in the Chilean Marine Corp Reserve talks about the recent christening of the third of a series of five ships that the US Coast Guard would consider Offshore Patrol Cutters. Not only have these ships supported SouthCom missions, Colombia and Argentina are also building ships of this class so cutters are likely to encounter and perhaps work with these or similar ships in their counter drug operations. Of the three countries Chile’s program is the most advance. ChuckOn last April 1st, was christened the third Fassmer-80 OPV for the Chilean navy. Named “Marinero Fuentealba” after a sailor who died trying to rescue the crew of a stranded ship on a storm in 1965, the new OPV will be delivered to the Navy in August 2014. This is the third ship of a class of five for the Chilean navy, which are built in the ASMAR shipyard, Talcahuano, Chile, a German design selected among several bidders (Fincantieri, Vosper Thornycraft, Kvaerner Masa Marine, Damen and Fassmer). The detailed engineering was done by ASMAR which did 50,000 hours of modeling on the ships’ systems and components. The ships are classified as LRS +100 A1 LMC UMS.The original design was modified in several aspects, most importantly, the addition of a hangar for a medium size helicopter. With an overall length of 80,60 meters (264′), a waterline length of 74,40 (244′) and a moulded beam of 13,00 meters (42.6′), the Chilean Fassmer 80 OPV have a full load displacement of 1728 tons. With such a displacement, at 12 knots, their range is 8.000 nautical miles with accommodations for 60 persons including 20 passengers and the helicopter crew. The endurance is 30 days, carrying 298 m3 of fuel oil, 48 m3 of fresh water and 20 m3 of helicopter fuel. Two 12V26 Wärtsilä engines, delivering 4.080 KW (5,471 SHP each) @ 1.000 rpm, work on two 4 blades controllable pitch propelers. At 80% MCR the speed is 20 knots. The first 2 ships are armed with a 40 mm gun taken second hand from German Type 148 missile boats, and with up to six .50 machine gun, although normally four are embarked. The third ship, the “Fuentealba” will be armed with a 76 mm Oto Melara gun also from a Type 148 missile boat. Some sources indicate its secondary armament will be up to 6 x 20 mm guns (probably old Oerlikon 20mm/70). This third ship has an ice strengthened hull and a different communications set, details have not been released yet. With these modifications “Fuentealba” will cost 43% more than the first two ships of the class, whose cost was less than $50M US each. The flight deck and hangar are optimized for medium helicopters. Normally an AS-365 N2 Dauphin helicopter, similar to the MH-65, will be embarked. Typically it will be used for MIO and rescue operations.There are two single points davits for two locally built 7,40 meters RIBs which can be launched and recovered while sailing at up to 12 knots. Under the flight deck is a working space with enough space for up to three 20 foot container sized units. There are four hatches in the flight deck permitting an easy access to the work deck. It is served by a Palfinger Marine PK 60000M crane installed on the flight deck. On the work deck and stern are the necessary fittings for towing other ships, towing being one of the main mission of this class of ships in Chilean service. Notably the second ship in the class (OPV 82 “Toro”) has, on the stern, 2 racks for depth charges!! Although an old weapon, several Chilean navy ships have been equipped with depth charges, as useful weapons for warning shots against submarines.The Chilean Fassmer 80 OPVs have a Sperry Marine integrated Bridge System, an integrated communication system and an unmanned machinery space, remotely controlled. They are also equipped with the Mobile Maritime Command and Control System “SMC MM” and the ARIES fire control system for the 40 mm gun. Both systems are developed locally by SISDEF and DESA CHILE. It is most probable that the “Fuentealba” will be equipped with the SAETA fire control system, developed by DESA CHILE for the Chilean SA’AR missile boats armed with 76 mm guns.The Chilean OPVs are operated by the Dirección General del Territorio Marítimo (DIRECTEMAR), a special branch within the Chilean Navy. The missions carried out by this ships are: coast guard, fishery protection, search and rescue, contamination control, training and support of isolated communities. Nevertheless, the first two ships have also deployed to international exercises and operations, such as UNITAS, PANAMAX and MARTILLO, the last one in combination with forces of the US Southern Command for fighting drugs smuggling in the Caribbean. The Colombian navy has received 2 slightly modified ships build locally by COTECMAR and has contracted a third ship, planning to build as many as 6, for operating 3 in the Pacific and 3 in the Caribbean (Argentina is also planning at least four-Chuck). Main modifications are a different mast, a different 40 mm gun, a telescopic hangar for a Bell 412 helicopter and a stern ramp. The stern ramp was considered less important for the Chilean Navy, which opted for improved towing capacity of towing ships and additional space for supporting isolated communities rather than the improved ability to deploy a boat quickly when chasing “go-fast” boats, since this is not a threat in Chilean waters. The OPV “Fuentealba” will be deployed to the Third Naval Zone, with homeport in Punta Arenas, on the Magellan Strait.Thanks to Andres for his contribution. I noted this in the German Navy blog “Marine Forum” Daily News, 8 April, “CHILE – PERU Probably related to their ongoing dispute over Pacific Ocean sea areas, both the Chilean and Peruvian navy have (temporarily?) removed hull numbers and names from nearly all naval vessels, rendering identification difficult.” Hopefully this will be resolved amicably. ChuckAddendum:Photos provided Andres Tovalari. Colombian Navy OPV “7 de Agosto” sailing along a German Navy missile boat. Ship is currently part of Operation Atalanta countering piracy in the Indian Ocean.As noted here,